Emma Grede, co-founder of the popular bodywear brand SKIMS, has ignited a heated debate about work-life balance following her recent comments on the "Diary of a CEO" podcast. During her interview with host Steven Bartlett, Grede asserted that achieving a healthy work-life balance is the responsibility of employees, not employers. "Work-life balance is your problem, not the employer’s responsibility," she stated, emphasizing that individuals must navigate their personal and professional lives.
Grede's remarks came in response to a question regarding what might be considered a "red flag" during a job interview. She cited the inquiry, "So, can you talk to me about work-life balance in this organization?" as particularly concerning. Reenacting a dramatic response, she quipped, "I'm leaving, get out!" Grede elaborated, saying, "When somebody talks to me about their work-life balance in an interview process, I'm like, 'Something is wrong with you.'" This perspective reflects her belief that work culture has evolved, allowing for greater flexibility in professional settings.
As a successful entrepreneur who also co-founded Good American and Safely, Grede argued that modern organizations are structured to accommodate personal needs. "The way we run organizations now is that no one misses dentist appointments or a doctor's appointment or a haircut or their kid's parent-teacher conference ... that's just not how we work anymore, right?" She explained that while employees have set hours, there is flexibility in how they manage their time.
However, Grede's comments have drawn criticism, particularly because SKIMS targets a largely female audience. Critics argue that her stance is tone-deaf, especially considering the disproportionate burden women face in balancing work and home responsibilities. According to research from the Pew Research Center, 60% of women report work-life balance as a serious challenge, compared to only 47% of men. Even in households that aim for equality, women spend an average of 2.7 more hours per week on caregiving and housework than men.
Psychologist Katina Sawyer weighed in on the discussion, stating that treating work-life balance as a personal skill is flawed. "It lets companies off the hook for burnout and performance issues," she explained. Experts advocate for a workplace culture that supports employee well-being, suggesting that employers should play a role in helping staff achieve balance.
Grede's comments have stirred significant engagement on social media, with reactions spanning the spectrum. Some users expressed agreement with her perspective, arguing that individuals should take responsibility for their own work-life balance. One commenter defended Grede, stating, "She's not saying work-life balance is bad. She's saying you need to learn how to manage that yourself and if you can't then this isn't the right place for you." Conversely, others highlighted the disparity between the experiences of business owners and employees, with one user noting, "Work-life balance is fine for the owner to ignore who makes 20x my salary! Massive red flag."
In the midst of this controversy, Grede is set to launch her own podcast, "Aspire with Emma Grede," which aims to provide mentorship and advice to listeners. The first two episodes will feature actress and Goop founder Gwyneth Paltrow, as well as former Starbucks chair Mellody Hobson. Grede stated that the podcast is her way of scaling mentorship, aiming for "honest and unfiltered" conversations.
Emma Grede's rise to prominence in the fashion industry has been remarkable. Originally from London, she developed a passion for fashion in the 1980s, inspired by supermodels like Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell. After moving to the United States, she co-founded Good American with Khloé Kardashian in 2015, which focused on inclusivity in denim sizing. Four years later, she partnered with Kim Kardashian to launch SKIMS, a brand that quickly gained traction in the bodywear market.
As of May 2025, Grede's net worth is estimated at $360 million, largely attributed to her 8% stake in SKIMS. She is married to Jens Grede, the CEO of SKIMS, and they share four children. Grede's personal experiences as a mother and entrepreneur shape her views on work-life balance, and her recent comments have sparked a necessary conversation regarding the expectations placed on employees in today's work environment.
As the dialogue continues, it is clear that work-life balance remains a critical issue for many professionals. While Grede's perspective emphasizes personal responsibility, many believe that employers also have a role to play in fostering a supportive workplace culture. The ongoing debate highlights the complexities of achieving balance in a rapidly changing work landscape.
